India Sets Sail towards Maritime Excellence

Driving PM Modi’s vision of a collaborative, cooperative and sustainable maritime ecosystem, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), in collaboration with Directorate General of Shipping, and The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) orchestrated second hybrid roadshow in Mumbai, on 6th September at Shipping House, Mumbai. Mr Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of State MoPSW was the Chief Guest and Dr Sanjeev Ranjan, Chairman, National Shipping Board was the Guest of Honour.

The event witnessed presence of esteemed dignitaries including Mr Rajiv Jalota, IAS Chairman, Mumbai Port Authority; Mr Bhushan Kumar, Joint Secretary, Sagarmala & PPP, MoPSW; Capt Binesh Kumar Tyagi, Chairman and Managing Director, SCI, Capt Abul Kalam Azad, Principal Officer, Mercantile Marine Department, Mumbai; Mr Dhruv Kotak, MD, JM Baxi Group; and Mr Ash Mohammed, Deputy Director General of Shipping.

Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), and AYUSH delivered a special video message that emphasized the government’s vision and commitment to realizing India’s maritime potential. He further stated, “GMIS 2023 exemplifies the government’s cultural affinity and our collective ambition to transform our national vision into a thriving reality.”

Mr Thakur in his video message stated that our voyage towards advancement has been characterized by the adoption of technological innovations, the elevation of infrastructure standards, the augmentation of operational efficacy, and the cultivation of an environment conducive to business growth.

He further added “As India continues to evolve as a global player its maritime capabilities become even more crucial for projecting influence, participating in international negotiations, and responding to regional challenges effectively. To become a leading maritime power, we must also foster collaboration, embrace innovation, and leverage technology. We must continue to build robust infrastructure, invest in skill development, and create a conducive environment that encourages entrepreneurship and investment”.

Mr. Vikram Dingley Director (Technical and Offshore Services) welcomed the audience and stated that these roadshows not only showcase the robustness of the Indian economy but also underscore our unwavering commitment to enhancing trade, connectivity, and the cohesion of the maritime sector.

In his turn, Mr Kumar spotlighted the progress made by the Indian maritime sector, sharing insights on the projects that will accelerate the growth of maritime ecosystem. He informed that GMIS 2023 will be the biggest event of maritime industry in the country. He acknowledged the contribution of each stakeholder, which has led to exponential growth in the India’s maritime sector in last decade. And further informed that the Government policies are being devised to give transformative reforms for development of infrastructure in maritime sector. The effort taken by Government is getting recognized and has boosted the global competitive position of India. Additionally, he announced the registration for the “Maritime Excellence Achievers Award” for recognizing and encouraging best practices across various categories has been opened online and the last date for applying is 15th September 2023. He urged the industry to participate in the GMIS 2023 in large numbers.

Dr Ranjan stated, “We stand at the cusp of transformational era in the maritime sector, propelled by cutting-edge technology and innovation. GMIS 2023 offers us a golden opportunity to propel infrastructure development, nurture skill and environmental progress, and foster entrepreneurship and investment nationwide. Our steadfast commitment to green fuel adoption and sustainable practices remains unwavering as we chart the course for the future.”

Mr Jalota stated “India is growing very fast and have crossed 3.75 trillion Dollar mark. He encouraged the stakeholders for G to B and B to B MoUs during the summit. The signing of MoU will bring more innovations and give more traction to the business in maritime sector”.

“Through this roadshow and the remarkable interest exhibited by our participants, we are truly excited by the enthusiasm and anticipate an even greater surge in momentum leading up to GMIS 2023,” shared Capt Tyagi. He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the valued business partners and stakeholders, acknowledging their pivotal role in propelling growth within the Indian maritime sector.

Capt Azad said that we as an Indian need to generate, conserve and contribute resources. The country needs to be maritime innovation hub. We need to enhance our capacity by way of skill of seafarers, by way of acquisition of tonnage, higher port capacity to handle cargo of different dimensions, use of green powered technology and supply of services.

Mr Kotak stressed on active participation of all stakeholders to develop the Indian shipping sector both in Ports and other ancillary areas of shipping. He appreciated the various initiatives of the Govt taken for the development of maritime eco-system and persuaded the stakeholders for taking part in the summit. He stated that GMIS 2023 will provide huge opportunity not only for Indian but the global maritime industry to know about the phenomenal potential that India offers for investing in different types of ships, shipbuilding, cruise, tourism and shipping ancillary industry.

Mr Mohammed recited a self-composed poem highlighting various opportunities which the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 will provide to Indian Maritime Sector. The poem became an attraction for the people attending the Road Show. Through his poetic message Mr Mohammed encouraged the stakeholders for active participation in the GMIS 23 in the form of attendance in various sessions, putting the stall and exhibitions in the summit.

The FICCI team led by Mr Deepak Mukhi, Director also made a presentation on Registration, Exhibition and sponsorship for GMIS 23. He urged the stakeholders to book space for exhibition at earliest as the prominent spaces is in exhibition hall were fast running out.

The roadshow was attended by around 2,500 participants – present physically and connected virtually. As a precursor to the 3rd Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) 2023, the roadshow also brought together government dignitaries, industry leaders, stakeholders, and enthusiasts from the maritime industry. GMIS 2023 is set to bolster India’s standing as a global maritime leader, with FICCI as its exclusive industry partner.

Up till now the summit has secured participation from all major 12 ports, 10 Allied organisations of Ministry and 51 leading private organisations. The summit has also officially signed Kerala as the Partner state for this momentous event.

Marex Media